Academy of the New Church presents ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ Dec. 6, 7, 8 at Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn

 When it came to casting a certain pivotal role in “Miracle on 34th Street,” directors of the Academy of the New Church show in Bryn Athyn found good things sometimes come in small packages.

“Her diminutive size contrasts her spunky spirit,” director Baird Kistner said of Myrta Asplundh, an ANC senior cast as six-year-old “Susan” in the holiday classic production running Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn. “She plays a small in stature, but memorable, role,” he said.

Asplundh, 17, of Huntingdon Valley was cast as a child in last year’s “White Christmas” performance and as a child four years ago in the school’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “Not only is she a good actress,” said producer Sarah Cooper Waelchli, “but good at capturing the spirit of children.”

The ANC production - it tells the story of Kris Kringle, a bearded old gentleman who looks like and is asked to play Santa Claus at the Macy’s Department Store Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and at the store itself - features a cast of about 40 students, with set and costume design and creation by students in ANC’s StageCraft and Costuming classes.

The 5-foot, 3-inch-tall Asplundh said she enjoys portraying youngsters. “I like to act like someone I’m not and children are easy because you can embody a happy, spirited child.” She said she uses for inspiration, a 7-year-old girl for whom she babysits regularly. “Imagination and happy endings are things kids typically believe in and I add that to my parts.”

Kistner said he and co-director Ivan Maddock have “really enjoyed” working with Asplundh over the years. “She is - and has been - a staple of snappy energy and charm,” he said.

The directors have similar praise for senior Leanna Smith of Bryn Athyn, a veteran of the ANC stage, cast in Miracle as Doris, the events director responsible for finding someone to portray Santa in the parade.

“Leanna’s always been a trooper with whatever crazy roles we have thrown at her, said Kistner. “She would roll her eyes at our over-the-top acting choices for her…and then would commit to them with 100 percent sincerity.” This role, he said, offers a “great chance for her to show off her impressive range of talent.” “It’s been wonderful to see the ‘clear intention’ behind every line Leanna delivers in a way you don’t often see with young actors,” said co-director Maddock. “Her hard work over these past years really has paid off.”

The “depth of range” the directors saw in junior Freya Simons of Bowie, Md. prompted them to offer her the role of Kris Kringle, whose mental competency must be defended in court. “We knew she would be up for the challenge,” said Kistner. “We chose the best actor for the part regardless of gender.” Producer Waelchli says playing the part is a “difficult feat for anyone, but even more so for a girl.” She said that with the costume and beard, “the audience will have trouble telling she's a girl.” The only tipoff, she said, will be the cast list in the program!

Also in key roles are senior Amanda Buss of Bryn Athyn as Shellhammer, Doris's frazzled assistant who is trying to save her job in the cutthroat retail business, and junior Marie Daum, also of Bryn Athyn, portraying Mara, the prosecution lawyer and no-nonsense veteran of the judicial system. Cast as Kris Kringle’s defense lawyer and Doris’s neighbor and love interest, is sophomore Weston Wadsworth of Marietta, Ga.

Show times and dates for Miracle on 34th Street are: 8 p.m., Dec. 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 7, and 2 p.m.  Dec. 8. Tickets are $12; $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit www.ancss.org. or call ANC at 267-502-4810.